Brjdle-bit



(No Model.)

I N. E. SPRINGSTBEN.

BRIDLE BIT.' 'f

No. 347,209. Patented Aug. 1o, 1886.

UNITED STATES PATENT NELSON E. SPRINGSTEEN, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

vBR'iDLla-BIT.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 347,209, dated August 1o, 1886:,

Application filed May 20, 1886. Serial No. 202,703.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, NELsoN E. SPRING- STEEN, of Detroit, in the county of Vayne and State of Michigan, have invented new and useful Improvements in Bridle-Bits, and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, which forms a part of this specification.

This invention relates to certain. new and useful improvements in bridle-bits.

The object of the invention is to construct a bit 'especially designed for use in breaking young or driving fractions horses, whereby the animal can be brought under complete control of the driver.

To this end the invention consists in the peculiarl construction of the bit, all as more fully hereinafter set forth.

In the accompanying drawing, which forms a part of this specification, my improved bit is shown in perspective, with the cheek-straps of the bridle and reins attached, and in which A represents a single-jointed bit, being provided With eyes a,for the reception of the rings B, to which the reins C are attached. The

outer ends ofA the two sections of the bitA terminate in spoon-shaped plates D, which curve inwardly, substantially as shown, and areconnectedtogether by an adj usting-strap, E.

F are rings that loosely embrace the eyes a of the bit, and to these rings the cheek-strap G of the bridle (and check-rein, if one is used) is secured. j

In practice the bit is introduced into the animals mouth in the usual manner, being supported by the cheek-straps of the bridle, with the spoon-plates D beneath or in rear of the lower jaw, the strap E being so adjusted that the bit will rest easily in the mouth. If the animal is being driven and becomes fractions or frightened, it will readily be seen that by pulling upon the lines O the bit is compelied to bend at its joint, causing the plates D to be forced against the under jaw into the gland-sockets that are located at these points upon either side of the jaw, their location being well known to horsemen generally. This (No model) pressure upon the glands, which are very sensitive, by the plates D soon causes the animal to become quiet and to submit to be guided by the rein.

In ordinary driving,the animal being guided by pulling upon one of the lines only, the plates are not compressed to thejaw, and it will be seen that by reason of the curve ofthe bit outside the mouth the bit cannot be pulled through, but that the head is turned by the pressure being brought upon the jaw on the opposite side from that it is intended he shall turn. A practical use of this construction has demonstrated the fact that the most fractions animal can in a short time be rendered docile, and without being compelled to resort to harsh means and bits, the use of which injure and cut the mouth of the animal,while at the same time they seem to Vanger and excite the animal.

Vith a bit constructed as described the mouth cannot be sawed7 or cut, neither can the animal take the bitin itsteeth, if the strap E is properly adjusted.

What I claim as my invention is 1. A bridlebit consisting of two members pivotaliy secured together, each part formed at its free end with a spoonplate, D, and between its free end and its pivot-point with an eye, a, and the two parts connected at their free ends by the adjusting-strap E, and the rings F, loosely embracing said eyes and receiving the cheek-straps, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

2. A bridle-bit consisting of the bit A, provided with the rings B, the outer ends of the bit terminating in the spoonshaped plates D, and the adjusting-strap E, all constructed, arranged, and operating substantially in the manner and for the purposes specified.

In witness that I claim the above as my invention I have hereunto set my hand this 27th dayof February, 1886.

NELSON E. SPRINGSTEEN.

lVitnesses:

H. S. SPEAGUE, CHAs. THURMAN. 

